Best Crib Mattresses 2016

Choosing the best mattress for you little bundle of joy might seem like a boring task but it’s one that requires careful consideration. A good mattress will not only be the resting point for your little one, it will also offer the support a child needs for his/ her growing bones for the next three or so years. The best crib mattresses should also be safe for the baby. Babies require different mattresses than an older child or adult might. A baby’s mattress should be firm because a soft mattress might be hazardous to the child. A soft mattress that sinks can suffocate a baby while sleeping. This is why choosing the best crib mattress for your child is of utter most importance.

Another key thing to consider is how resilient a mattress is. Sleeping infants do not change their positions until a parent turns them. When a child is growing older, they will leave an imprint on the mattress and it can be very difficult for them to change position if the mattress does not have a fast recovery time. To test this, simply push your hand down into the mattress and then remove it. Does the mattress regain its original shape quickly or slowly? A mattress with a faster recovery time is just what you need for your baby.

Other factors to consider are the cost, the comfort, and the durability. To better understand which mattress best suits your needs; let us first look at the types of crib mattresses there are in the current market.

Types of crib mattresses

1. Foam mattresses

These types of crib mattresses are available in a variety of thickness, but usually range between 3 and 6 inches. Foam mattresses are very light and the prices are affordable. When in search of the perfect crib mattress, density is of key importance. Be in the lookout for mattresses that have a high density. Some of the better quality foam mattresses have a high density.

In case the product description does not offer any information regarding the density of the mattress, you can always weigh the mattress. A heavy foam mattress has a high density. A typical foam mattress weights in at around 7 to 8 pounds. Foam mattresses made from memory foam – polyurethane, can weigh in at a whooping 20 pounds. This means that the mattresses are extremely dense. However, do not rush into buying a 20 pound mattress without factoring in that you will be the one struggling with the extra heavy mattress when it is time to change the baby’s sheets (which occurs a lot).

2. Innerspring mattresses

These mattresses are on the higher price range. The firmness of an innerspring mattress can be determined by the number of coils the manufacturers inserted into the mattress. However, this is not the only thing to consider. The number of turns per coil and the gauge of the wire are also very important. A mattress with lower gauge (15 or lower) and a lot of coils (135 coils or higher) means that the mattress is very strong and firm.

3. Organic mattresses

There is a high demand in mattresses made from all natural or organic material – cotton or wool. The organic mattresses offer both foam and innerspring options to the buyers. These mattresses are become more popular by the day because they do not use any chemicals and industrial components that could harm your baby. These mattresses are very expensive but can one really put a price on safety? To ensure that the organic mattress really is all-natural without any chemicals, look for an Oeko-Tex standard 100 certification. This certification guarantees that no certain PBDEs and heavy metals were used in the production of the mattress.

Never purchase an air mattress for your baby. They are soft and can easily suffocate a baby while they are sleeping. Waterbeds and adult beds are also not designed for a baby. Steer clear of these types of mattresses and beds.

Be very cautious when you are purchasing a used crib mattress. If you are not sure about the previous storage of the crib mattress, do not purchase it. Improperly stored mattresses can be home to fungus, which is harmful to the next user. Unless the crib mattress had been stored in a clean area and was protected with a cover, just go and buy your baby a new mattress.

Key factors to consider
When buying the best crib mattress for your baby there are many factors that contribute to the process. They include:

Size

The first thing to consider is your child’s crib size. Ensure the mattress you purchase will fit perfectly in the crib. Do not try stuffing an over-large mattress into the crib as this can be uncomfortable harmful to your growing baby. Measure your crib and ensure you carry the measurements with you when you go mattress shopping. By the States law, a full-sized crib mattress must be at least 27 ¼ inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches thick.

Firmness

As stated earlier, a firm mattress is very vital for your child’s growing bones. Ensure the mattress is not too soft by applying the exercise mentioned in the above text. The firmer the mattress, the better it is for your baby. Some mattresses might feel too hard to us but rest assured your baby will be very comfortable.

Mattress Cover
The mattress cover should be water resistant. This ensures your mattress is more durable by being resistant to wet diapers, or tears. Keep an eye out for double or even triple laminated covers with reinforced nylon. As for organic mattresses, they come with a cotton cover.

Airflow

Is the mattress allowing for a good air circulation within the mattress? Is there enough ventilation for fresh air? When looking for the best crib mattress, search for small vent holes on the side of the mattress. A mattress will good ventilation will let the mattress breath giving your baby fresh air to breath.

Certification

Is the mattress certified? Does it meet the safety requirements set by the CPSC and the American Society for Testing and Materials?

Cost

When deciding on a crib mattress, pick one that is pocket friendly yet meets the above requirements. Cost is a great determinant of the crib mattress that best suits your needs